How Tech Start Ups Are Helping During Hurricane Sandy

While many tech companies and startups don’t have the resources of AT&T or Duracell, they can alter their unique services in ways that help those in need. During the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, some New York companies did just that.

Because the subways were out, Uber’s black car drivers were in huge demand. To get the drivers to pick up Uber customers, Uber had to start paying them 2X their normal rate. At first, Uber passed this rate increase onto its customers through a program it calls “surge pricing.” But after an outcry took on the cost themselves.

There are more than 20,000 Airbnb listings available in affected areas. Airbnb is waiving all fees for these spaces. They are encouraging their entire community to help anyone who has been left stranded or in need because of the Hurricane.

New York’s technology community has taken a hit from Sandy with flooded offices, lost power, downed data centers and a subway network that is struggling to come to life. But local co-working spaces and companies are stepping up to find room for Sandy’s refugees, providing internet and office space for workers in need.

If you are in need of working space in the New York area, check out this map of available offices.

What other examples of tech companies using their unique assets and capabilities to help communities in need have you heard of? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook.